Taliban Terrorist / American Soldier Swap

The more DonDiego looks into this "negotiation with terrorists". . . . which, by the way, the United States does not do, . . . the more questionable it appears.

DonDiego encourages the interested reader to investigate a bit into some details.

__the different narratives of Private Bergdahl's capture.
__the e-mails which Private Bergdahl sent his parents before his capture.
__the histories and positions within the Taliban of the 5 jihadis released in the exchange
__the violation of Federal Law, which requires Congress to be notified before prisoners are transferred; this is not surprising, as The Obama had announced previously his intent to violate this Law.
__the Pashtun quote which Private Bergdahl's Father spake to his son from the side of President Obama: "Bismillah al rahman al rahim"; oh, and some curious earlier public statements and tweets from the old man.

DonDiego does not wish to judge the deal prematurely, . . . but he suspects the United States may not have gotten the better of those pesky terrorists.

Really? You don't think freedom for one American soldier is worth more than five terrorists? Do tell!

I honestly don't recall reading that part of our Army's Soldier's Creed was changed from "I will never leave a fallen comrade" to "So long as his parents don't seem to develop weird political views after years of having to endure their boy being held by the enemy in unimaginable circumstances, leave no fallen comrade behind if the bargain we can negotiate for his release is really unbalanced in our favor."



This whole episode sure puts a lie to the looney-right's reflexive hagiographication of everything our troops do. Jane Fonda's false reputation from decades ago has nothing on this crowd.

To these people, President Obama really didn't do a good thing because Sgt. Bergdahl wasn't really worth saving. Sick!

Obama rewarded the terrorists for taking a hostage. Since terrorists like being rewarded, they will now take even more hostages.

Obama either doesn't think things out, or he's looking for an election bounce while putting more Americans at risk.

The difference: President Obama didn't lie about it.

This " Soldier " was not captured by the Taliban . He sought the Taliban , and spoke of his hatred of the United States , BEFORE he walked away from the base where he was stationed . His own fellow soldiers stated that he is not a hero , and that he violated his oath as an American Soldier . This traitor was not brainwashed by the Taliban , he had these negative views of America prior to his involvement with his "captors" .
At least six American Soldiers lost their lives as a result of actions directed toward finding him . How do you think the parents of those dead soldiers feel now ? Do you think they feel it was worth it ?
Obama got royally scammed . Five of the worst terrorists out there , who will go out and seek to kill more "Infidels " for one dirtbag who let America down, not to mention his fellow soldiers .
Our only hope is that he receives a trail and is convicted for desertion and treason . I doubt that ,in fact , that will ever happen . That outcome would hurt Obama's legacy , especially since he again violated the law to pull this stunt . Bob

All the rhetoric aside, which I haven't the time to look into, I can say this. For myself, speaking as a former Marine, if captured I would not want myself traded for any, or even one, enemy combatant.

DonDiego is truly moved that Chilcoot embraces the spirit of the Soldier's Creed.

Nonetheless, DonDiego suggests that Chilcoot has mischaracterized DonDiego's opinion of the Soldier's Creed. But this is not about DonDiego.

Today even the well-respected, honorable newspaper-of-record The New York Times recognizes that then-Private Bergdahl was not a fallen comrade:
"Sometime after midnight on June 30, 2009, Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl left behind a note in his tent saying he had become disillusioned with the Army, did not support the American mission in Afghanistan and was leaving to start a new life. He slipped off the remote military outpost in Paktika Province on the border with Pakistan and took with him a soft backpack, water, knives, a notebook and writing materials, but left behind his body armor and weapons — startling, given the hostile environment around his outpost."

This is why in the original post DonDiego suggested the interested reader investigate the matter, . . . so as to be more able to discuss the matter rationally, instead of politically. [Political threads are frowned upon within this Forum.]
DonDiego again suggests the reader inform himself of the pertinent facts so as to be able to participate in a thoughtful discussion, . . . and at least read the NYT article cited above to learn what the search for Private Bergdahl had cost even before the release of 5 senior Taliban terrorists.

*** UPDATE ***
"Is there the possibility of some of them [the 5 Taliban jihadis] trying to return to activities that are detrimental to us? Absolutely!"
__President Obama, 3 June 2014

The costs for the return of Sergeant Bergdahl may rise further.

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The average MSNBC viewer is 62.5 years old.

Isn't a coincidence that 2 days after firing shinsecki, obama negotiates this deal?

That Congress was not consulted, in violation of a law he himself signed, knowing that there were problems with this deal and given enough time , the deal would have not gone thru.

It shows the incompetence of obama that this blew up in less than 24 hours

I feel that there is a missing piece of the puzzle that we will probably never know,
.................. and it stinks to the High Heavens.


Rick

At least 6 soldiers died while looking for this guy.

Sure bets

1- these 5 guys will disappear before the 12 months are up
2- bergdahl will not be court martialled
3- his health was never in danger

If obama was so concerned about freeing soldiers, how about releasing the Marine detained in mexico